Prescott, Arizona — Yavapai College hosts its second annual Horticulture Symposium at its Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale on Wed. Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Building M, room 137.
Attendees will have the opportunity to listen to expert speakers, observe hands-on live demonstrations, and more. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply excited to learn and grow, enjoy a full day of inspiration, practical learning, connection, and discovery, with lunch included.
The symposium’s speakers are as follows:
- John Taylor, Founder / Educator Terra BIRDS. Topic: Cultivating the World We Want to Live In – Playing with Rain & Soil at Ponderosa High School.
- Kate Watters Botanist / Farmer / Artist / Owner Wild Heart Farm. Topic: Sustainable Flowers – Native Plants for a Resilient Floral Future.
- Rachel Laura Deputy Executive Director Friends of the Verde River. Topic: Glowing Wild – Discovering Arizona’s Fireflies.
- Anita Thompson Farmer / Owner Double T Bar Farm. Topic: Seed from the Farm – What to Know About Growing, Harvesting and (Maybe) Selling Seed in Arizona.
- Michael Pierce Assistant Agent, Commercial Horticulture & Food Systems, The University of Arizona Yavapai County Cooperative Extension. Topic: Hands-on Introduction to Soil Moisture Retention & Plant Propagation.
- Brenda Riley, Beekeeper. Topic: Your First Year of Beekeeping – What to Expect.
The Symposium is presented by Yavapai College in collaboration with UA Yavapai County Cooperative Extension and Master Gardeners. Sponsors for the symposium are Verde River Growers, Ace Hardware and Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds.
Tickets are $50 to members of the public and $20 for Yavapai College horticultural students (must be a current Yavapai College student enrolled in a Fall 2026 Horticulture class—see your instructor for registration discount code). Purchase them online at www.yc.edu/grow.
Yavapai College operates seven campuses and centers throughout Yavapai County and offers more than 100 degrees and certificates, six baccalaureate degrees, student and community services, and cultural events and activities. To learn more about Yavapai College, visit www.yc.edu
